Water consumption in Dubai UAE 2016-2023, by source

In 2023, the consumption of desalinated water in the emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), exceeded 144 billion imperial gallons. Residential consumption accounted for the majority of total consumption that year. 

 Volume of produced water in the UAE

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy produced the most water in the UAE in 2020, followed by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. For that year, the total amount of water produced in the UAE was almost two billion cubic meters. The total installed capacity of water production plants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the same year was 7.23 million cubic meters per day.

 Water scarcity in the Middle East

Due to the effects of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, water resources in the region are being depleted. The amount of groundwater extracted in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region declined significantly in 2020. As a result, water desalination efforts in the region intensified. Governments are pursuing costly desalinization projects in response to the region's growing demand for water supplies. Saudi Arabia produces the most desalinated water, followed by the United Arab Emirates among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
For further information on global warming and weather trends in the Middle East, check out our topic coverage on climate change in the Middle East.